Chhipa


The Chhipa are a community or clan of people with ancestral roots tracing back to India. They are a Muslim community found in the state of Gujarat, India. A few Chhipa are also found in the city of Karachi in Pakistan.

History

The word chhipa is derived from the Gujarati word chhapa, which means to print. The community was originally found in Nagaur in Rajasthan. After their settlement in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the community took up the occupation of dyeing and printing clothes. The community speak Marwari, and are found mainly in Rajasthan and in north Gujarat, in the districts of Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Baroda and Bharuch. Most Chhipa also speak Gujarati.

Present circumstances

India

The Chhipa community is divided into a number of clans, known as ataks, the main ones being the Rao, Tak, Bhati, Doera, Chauhan and Molvi. Each of these clans are of equal status, and intermarry. But the community has a marked preference for cross cousin and parallel cousin marriages.
The community is still mainly involved in its traditional occupation of dyeing and printing clothes. Many in the community have taken up trade, or are employed in the local textile mills.

Pakistan

Chhipa community is settled in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The Chhipa Welfare Association is funded by the Chhipa community of Pakistan. It is based in Karachi. Aamir Liaquat Hussain has given abandoned infants from Chhipa Welfare Association to parents who wanted to adopt babies in Amaan Ramazan show.